Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, I hope that you have a wonderful day with your loved ones :)

I’m often asked for my recommendations on various trusted wedding partners and vendors from makeup artists & hair stylists to custom-made bespoke menswear tailors. Over the years, it’s been amazing to see (and taste) the growth of cupcakes (either instead of or in addition to a traditional wedding cake) as desserts or features on sweet tables at weddings. And if you’re like me, you’ve also seen and/or tasted your fair share of cupcakes that are too dry, hard as a rock, overly sweet, or just plainly look unappetizing. Well, I’m happy to announce that I’ve never had a Cakelette Bakeshop cupcake that features any of those problems!

Melissa Lee (or affectionately simply known as “Mel”) is the magician baker behind Cakelette‘s delicious baked fresh-to-order cakes, cupcakes, and desserts. These are her famous Maple Candied Bacon Chocolate Cupcakes (wrapped in gold foil) baked just in time for Valentine’s Day! Be sure to visit her website and take a look at her extensive menu which includes cookies, squares, and cheesecakes in addition to custom speciality cakes & cupcakes. I know that she’ll put a big smile on your face!

If you haven’t heard by now, Kleinfeld Bridal Boutique is now in Canada at The Hudson’s Bay Company located in downtown Toronto. It was an honour to be taken on a guided walk-around tour by Stella Farrace, the Divisional Vice President of Bridal & Gift Registry Operations at The Hudsons Bay Company.

They carry a wide range of dresses by both local Canadian designers and international designers including Ines Di Santo, Monique Lhullier, Oscar de la Renta, Lazaro, J Mendel, Paloma Blanca, Rivini, Maggie Sottero, and many more. In short, they have a spectacular selection of dresses available for brides starting from $1,500 (to upwards of $30,000).

Be sure to make an appointment early and order your dress no less than 6 to 9 months before your wedding. Keep in mind that you’ll need 2 to 3 fittings to ensure a perfect fit. Plus, they’ve got a great selection of jewellery, veils, shoes, and bridesmaids dresses all in their massive 20,000 square foot space! I’m confident that they’ll take great care of you :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family :)
I trust that you have been able to spend lots of quality time with loved ones.

Along with all the excitement of the holiday season, you’ve probably also celebrated many new engagements — maybe you’re even planning (or helping to plan) a surprise proposal right now! That being said, I would be super grateful if you recommended me to your friends and family as they plan for their wedding :)